Guns N’ Roses joins slate at new Shakopee amphitheater

Twin Cities rock fans may hear “Welcome to the Jungle” for their welcome to Shakopee’s new amphitheater.

Guns N’ Roses has confirmed an Aug. 8 date at Mystic Lake Amphitheater on its 2026 tour itinerary. It’s the biggest concert so far announced at the sprawling new outdoor venue being built near Canterbury Park. GNR follows two other classic-rock concerts announced there last week, one featuring two bands that no longer boast any original members (Foreigner and Lynyrd Skynyrd on Aug. 16) and another with a singer who no longer boasts his high-note range (Mötley Crüe on Aug. 21).

Fans can preregister for Dec. 3 early access to GNR tickets via Ticketmaster.com, where tickets will officially go on sale Dec. 5 at prices yet to be revealed. Opening acts have not been named for the band’s U.S. tour, which is set to begin July 26 in Raleigh, N.C., following international dates in the first half of the year.

Not seen in the Twin Cities since a September 2021 show at Xcel Energy Center — when lingering COVID-19 fears led to slashed ticket prices — GNR can still pack arenas and some stadiums nowadays. Three of the band’s heyday-era members remain in the fold: singer Axl Rose, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan. They have not issued a new album since first reuniting in 2016 but do have two new singles coming Dec. 2.

Still under construction after postponing its 2025 opening, Mystic Lake Amphitheater will reportedly hold around 19,000 fans in both reserved seats and general-admission areas, a little more than a typical arena concert. The nearby Mystic Lake Casino & Resort is the venue’s naming sponsor, but the amphitheater is not located on casino grounds. It’s being built by the developer behind the Armory’s makeover in Minneapolis, Swervo, with concert industry giant Live Nation as a partner.

The amphitheater’s official grand-opening concert has not yet been announced. Here’s where GNR’s show fits in with the rest of the calendar so far confirmed there: